Burlington attorney Eric Miller is getting the go-ahead from President Barack Obama to become the next U.S. attorney for Vermont, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Thursday.

Leahy recommended Miller for the job in February. Obama's nomination now puts the decision in the hands of the U.S. Senate, which must confirm his appointment to the federal prosecutor post.

If confirmed, Miller would replace Tris Coffin, who took the job in 2009 and returned to private practice this year. Eugenia Cowles has been serving as acting U.S. attorney since Coffin's departure.

Miller has been a lawyer in the Burlington firm of Sheehey Furlong & Behm PC since 1999, serving as partner since 2002. 

His wife, Liz Miller, is departing this month from her job as Gov. Peter Shumlin's chief of staff.